mother pleaded. "I tried to stop it from happening, but I

continue. "What are you talking about?" I

as her voice broke. I could tell that

her tears before saying "I...knew it wa

ying that you knew Mr. Carter was behind father's disappearance, and you

" she said, but even she sounded unconvinced. "I know it was wrong,

about Mr. Carter's involvement and done nothing? How could she have kept t

ever did anything?" I asked in utter d

th emotion. "I've begged and pleaded with Mr. Carter, but he wo

"What secret? What could he possibly know that gives

id, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, but it's not my secret to tell. I wis

ret, mother?" I

threat on me, I still won't tell you. It's a secret

oice breaking. "I feel like you've betrayed me. I feel like you've

a," she said, her voice barely audible. "I know this is har

heard. "Dad was kidnapped by Mr. Carter, and you know a secret that Mr. Carter is using to cont

ined. "That's right," she said quie

"I can't believe this is happening," I said, shaking my head in disbelief. "How did we get

and I'm not sure where to start," she said. "When t

know anything about Adam, and I don't think I'd be able to marry someone I don't know or trust. It just doesn't feel right. Whi

r hands on mine. "But please, try to think of the bigger picture. Your

aptive, possibly in pain, was too much to bear. "What about Bella?" I aske

ice thick with emotion. "But I don't know what else to do. I don't want to lie

air. After a few moments, I spoke, my voice shaking slightly.

afraid you'll have to end your relationship with him," she said, her

t a surge of anger and disbelief. I flung my

x years, and I'm not going to give up on our relationship for a man I've never met. That

you, but we have to do whatever it takes to save your father," she said, her voice pleading.

, the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. That's not something I can just do on a whim. It's not that simple. And to be

aching out to touch my arm. "And I understand how difficult this is for you. But please, try to see it f

know you're just trying to look out for me," I said, my voice cracking. "But I can't help but fee

al? No engagement? No marriage? Don't you feel bothered about it

ow you're just trying to help, but I can't let you dictate my future. And I can't marry Ad

I want you to be safe. I'm sorry if I've upset you, but I had to be honest with you. I don't want you to marry someone y

my voice catching in my throat. "I love you too. But this is my life, and I need to make my own choice

lled after me, her voice full of desperation.

y chest. As I reached for the staircase, I heard my mother's voice again, softer this t

t for you. I cannot get married to Adam." I said to my mother

fused. I just wanted to get away from it all. I opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind me with a quiet click. I felt a wave of

mean by six years with no engagement?" I muttered to myself. "Does she think I

phone and scrolling through my contacts. I found the number I was looking for and hi

it was answered. "Hello?" a voice

me," I said, my

ou," she said, her voice warm an

d, taking a deep breath. "I

ear that," she said, soun

ked, her voice gentle and compassionate.

ughts. "It's a long story," I said, feeling a lump formi

one reassuring. "I'm here to list

my thoughts. "It all start

y voice beginning to shake again. "We welcomed him but he was cold to us. Along the lines of our discussion, he told me to get married to his son if I wanted my father

k and disbelief. "How come I had no idea about any

from your studies," I explained. "I know it's

athryn stammered, her voice rising in pitch. "No

. "But Mr. Carter and my mother are insisting

t a loss for words. "This is so out of left field

and, I don't want to marry someone I don't love. But on the other hand, I don't

f empathy. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you

od," I said. "He's very stubborn, and he doesn't see

ult," Kathryn said, her vo

e." I said with my v

doesn't mean that I'm not t

reaking. "I'm not going to ma

ing to do?" she aske

form in my mind. "I can't live like this, trapped

r voice. "And what about Timothy? If you run away, you'

er. "I know," I said, my heart racing. "But I can't stay here, know

voice trembling. "You could get hurt, or wors